Ask the Experts: A Q&A Series from Goodman JFS
At Goodman Jewish Family Services, we believe knowledge is power. In this new “Ask the Experts” Q&A series, Goodman JFS President & CEO Randy Colman sits down with our professional leaders for timely conversations on the issues that matter most to our community.
Whether you’re seeking insights, support or a deeper understanding of the services we provide, this series is designed to offer practical guidance and expert perspectives on mental health, family wellbeing and caring for our community. It’s just one more way we aim to serve by supporting those who need help and informing those looking to make a difference.
Q&A with Morgan Weinblatt, Chief Development Officer
Q: What makes December such a unique moment for philanthropy, both in terms of community need and donor opportunity?
A: December brings together two powerful forces: a rise in community need and a natural increase in donor generosity. For many families in Broward County, the end of the year comes with added financial pressure, higher food costs, holiday expenses and increased emotional strain. It is often the time when people across South Florida turn to us for help the most.
At the same time December inspires people to reflect on what matters. Donors think about how to close the year with meaning, support their community and make an impact that feels intentional. There are also practical benefits since year-end charitable giving can provide valuable tax advantages. It becomes a moment when purpose, timing and opportunity truly align.
Q: What community trends or needs are you seeing right now that make donor support especially urgent?
A: Across Broward County, we are seeing several urgent shifts that make local donor support especially critical:
- Food insecurity is rising for older adults and working families as our food pantries, including our Dorit and Ben J. Genet Cupboard, experience record demand.
- Mental health needs continue to grow and timely counseling can be difficult to access. Donor support helps us expand services that insurance does not always cover.
- Older adults and Holocaust survivors are facing increased financial strain and deeper isolation which creates a greater need for case management, home care and essential support.
- With the rising cost of living in South Florida, families who have never asked for help before are now seeking assistance for the first time.
These trends make flexible, immediate philanthropic funding essential. Local donor support allows us to respond to real needs in real time which government funding alone cannot accomplish.
Q: For those thinking beyond annual giving, how can year-end be a meaningful time to start exploring legacy giving or long-term philanthropic plans?
A: Year-end is already a moment of reflection for many people. It is when individuals and families naturally think about their values and the future. That makes it an ideal time to begin exploring planned giving, whether through a will, beneficiary designation or life insurance policy.
A legacy gift allows donors to create a lasting impact that carries their values forward. These conversations do not need to be complicated or reserved for wealthy individuals. They are about intention, purpose and creating continuity between what matters to someone today and the difference they want to make long term in the local community.
Q: For companies that experienced significant growth this year, how can strategic year-end corporate philanthropy strengthen the community while also serving as a smart business decision as they close their books for the year?
A: When companies invest in year-end corporate philanthropy, they are not only giving back. They are strengthening the community that their employees and customers rely on every day. Strategic giving demonstrates leadership, reinforces company values and deepens trust with the broader community.
There are strong business benefits as well. Corporate philanthropy enhances brand reputation, boosts employee morale and helps companies show that they care about the well-being of the people around them. Many organizations are also seeking meaningful volunteer opportunities for their teams, especially at the end of the year. Corporate volunteer days are a powerful way to build team culture, increase employee pride and experience community impact firsthand.
Strategic giving can also help companies manage tax liabilities as they close their books for the year.
Q: How can individuals who may not consider themselves “major donors” still make a meaningful difference through year-end giving, especially during a season when community need is at its highest?
A: Meaningful impact is never defined by the size of a gift. It is defined by the intention behind it and the collective power of many people giving together. A year-end gift of any amount helps us provide food assistance, mental health counseling, emergency support and care for older adults, including Holocaust survivors.
For example a donation of just $18 can provide a bag of nutritious groceries to a family through our Dorit and Ben J. Genet Cupboard. It may feel like a small amount but it makes a real difference for someone facing food insecurity in our community.
Monthly giving, workplace giving, tribute gifts and in-kind donations all help meet the highest levels of need we see across Broward County at the end of the year. People often underestimate how far their support can go but the impact is extraordinary when everyone participates.
Year-end giving is a reminder that every contribution matters and that each person has the ability to strengthen our community in a meaningful way.